Load-carrying structure for vehicles



Sept. 11, 1951 Filed ma 4, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fial Gttornegs Sept.11, 1951 F. FAHLAND LOAD-CARRYING STRUCTURE FOR VEHICLES 4 Sheets-Sheet2 Filed May 4, 1950 3nventor 'Franh Fahl'and.

attorneys Sept. 11, 1951 F. FAHLAND 25,

LOAD-CARRYING STRUCTURE FOR VEHICLES Filed May 4, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet s3nventor V v 2 FrankFahland, Bu I 9% I (Ittornegs Sept. 11,195 EFA LAND2,567,328

LOAD-CARRYING STRUCTURE FOR VEHICLES Filed May 4, 1950 I v4'Sheets-,-Sheet 4 '7 FisJO 3nventor Frank Fahland.

- L j LZ. 41 CF13 Gttotnegs Patented Sept. 11, 195i Lb'AIfiCAR'RYlNGSTRUCTURE'FOR vsmoms V QtoiQimSL 101.165.4368;

This invention relates to tran'spor t vehicles and particularly tofreight cars especially equipped to transport bulky articles' all ofastandaruized form in such "a "Way that loading 'anduiiloadin'g andshows"two of a series' of-elg racks are 'facilitatedand thedanger'ofdamage during loading and in transit is-minimiz'ed' Anit'n'p or tant,but not'th'e sole'fie'ld for the use of the'in-' vention, bodies.

is the 'transpiirtation'of automobile:

Generally stated the inventi'on provides means to support a plurality ofdouble faced racks in; vertical position anmg the longitudinal medianplane" of the freight car.

These racks are provided with pads to which the automobil'e'bodies arebolted? Each of the a forementioned racks 'is mounted and can berotated-on ahorizontal axis.

This axis passes approximately-through the com-- bine'd'centefofgravityof the raok and two bodies attached thereto.

The axis bearings on whie'h" the racks swing" are not fixed but can beshifted relatively'tothe rack" between two'positionsand can be fixed in{each of said two positions, In one'of these positions the rack restsdiretly on its 'endjon sothat the bearings do not sustain theverti'c'al'load during transport.

the car deck --Preparatory to swinging the racks-to their horizontalpositions used for loading 'and' for unload ing', the bearings areshiftedso'that theracks are in" a slightly elevated position inwhichtheyswing clear of the car deck. Thus, each rack has tvv'c'a" verticalpositio'ns',' a lowntranspoi't position and an upper position whichpermitsits'rotation. It has two horizontal loading and'unlo'adingpositions in which respectivelythe opposite fades ofthe racks arepresented upward,

With the construction described a simple hoist? ingapparatus=a1on'gside'the' track on which the car runs, can be 'used-tolift theracks from their transport position to their elevated verti'cal'position; and can alsobe' used'toswing'the racks to the respectivehorizontal lda'ding positions. It"

canalso be used tolower the bodies suec 'es'sively ontotheihoriz'ontally positionedracks and tore move them therefrom;Inthe'ir' "ho'riz'ontalpositions the racks are retained by aiagonaibrae'es which extend betweeneach rack'-and::the stanchions which supportthe 'horizontalbearingl As a consequence ofithe described'construotion"50 is generallyindicated by the-numeral I5 and has" loading andunloading vare each facilitated and the structure ontwhichthe racks aresupported" need not be unduly heavy because duringtr'anse -=vi'ew? 'the'netting which' isattached to construction;

: 'tions.

Fig." 2 is" a 'vie'w in which th' decklof :thefcaris shown in vertical-transverseseetionandithe:body supporting -mechamsm' is shown inelevation; The rack is shown full 111165 111 its ;vertical transportposition" and m dottedll-ines' in" onesof its two horizontal positionsused for loadingiand'; unloading; As to both pdsiti'ons 'the outlineziofa supported automobile body is indicated'iin broken-lines; I V l l .v

3 is a fragmentary fvi'ew' partly in section" sh'o'wing one-of:the twoshiftableabearingarrange; ,nients' used for each-of the" racks;:andtheim'e'an's byw'vhich thebearing member is pinn'ed selectively;infit's" two positions. This'iview' also shows' th'e latch .for engagingone of' the diagonal braces usedlto holdthe rak in its horizontalpositions: I"

Fig. 4 is a section 'onthe line '4 4 ofIFig.i3 but drawn on a somewhatlarigeriscale than Fig; 3.:'

Fig; 5 is a 'seetion oii the line i ii :of Fig. 1 but gdtdrawh on alarger scale: Oneoftheracks fis" 35 "Figi '8 'is a plan view oi' one of?the stanchion'sf FigFQ is-aperspectiveviewnr oneor the dtiubl facedracks showninount'e'd on the' horizontal bai on which it turns. IThefbearings are shown-as they Would-be in the trarispo'rtpositionl Inthis one-face" ofth'e rack'has been omitte'dli" V 10 is 'an' edge vi'e'wof a 'nut retainer:

Fig. 11 is'a face vi'eW-bf the same"nut'retainer"' with portionsbrokenratiray to 'sh'ow 'the' internal "Fig. 12 isaflviewof-theso'cket"used td rceiil positioning fingers "onthe 'rackswhez'i thelatter are in their vertical ti'ansport position.

a center sill the. upp'erxportionnf which "is vaiplate l6. 7 V Spacedthroughout 'the 'lengthfoff the car i and'aline'd on thetlongitudinaleentenline'of th'e" car. are a plurality: of".spaeed stanchion's generAn embodiment of the inventionwhichhas a1:- ili i'allyiindicatedbythenufileral' H. The stanmons are substantially identical except thatthe end ones carry only two adjustable diagonal braces, whereas theintermediate stanchions carry four.

In the example illustrated, and as best shown in Figs. 6 and 7, asatisfactory stanchion can be constructed by welding four Z-bars to forma generally rectangular column which is wide in the direction transverseto the car. One of the end columns appears'in Fig. 1 which clearly showsthe cross section of the Z-bars and the welds. These end stanchionscarry two diagonal braces l8 hinged thereto on the studs 19. Theintermediate stanchions shown in Fig. 6 require four diagonal braces l8and consequently include an extra bar welded to the outer Z-bar so thatboth ends of the cross pins 21 on which its braces l8 are mounted aresupported. The particular construction of these stanchions is not vitaland is controlled largely by the material readily available.

The stanchions are connected to the top plate 16 .of the. center sillbywelding the ends of the stanchions thereto. Short lengths of angleiron 22 are welded to the plate l6, and also to the stanchions. In thisway the structure affords what amounts to a combined pad and gussetplate permitting the omission, of any other lateral bracing of thestanchions. External bracing was tried and was found to be objectionablebecause it obstructed the deck.

A horizontal bearing bar 23 is supported by the stanchions near theirupper ends and extends horizontally from end to end of the car. As amatter of convenience it is constructed of heavy pipe. Since such pipeis commonly available in lengths shorter than the overall length of thecar, it is necessary to provide a strong, simple joint construction.

Such a joint is illustrated in ends of sections of pipe 23 meet on theline 24. The abutting ends of the pipe are welded and in addition afiller plate 25 is inserted and is welded to the inner Z-bars so thatthe pipe 23 is sustained positively by the stanchions on both sidesof'the joint. As a practical matter the pipe 23 merely aflords trunnionson which the racks generallyindicated by the numeral 26 swing.

A continuous rod such as 23 is believed to afford the most rigid lightconstruction available, but the essential thing is that there be twotrunnions on which the rack 26 can swing. The possibility of adoptingother journal constructions is fully recognized.

Collars 21 are used to position the racks on the pipe 23. The pipe 23passes through longitudinal slots 28 formed in the webs of the channelironszof which the racks 26 are fabricated (see Figs. 2, 3 and 9). Aheavy plate 29 (see Figs. 3 and 4) is then positioned against the web ofthe channeliron and confined between the flanges. It is also confined bya cover plate 3| (see Fig. 3) which is welded to the flanges of thechannel and which has a slot 32 coextensive with and directly oppositethe slot 28. The plate 29 has a circular opening through which the pipe23 passes and which serves as a bearing on which the rack 26 swings. Therack 26 is shiftable in the direction of its length on the plates 29 toeither of two vertical positions. A pin 33 serves to retain the racks 26in either of these positions.

'In the positions shown in Figs. 3 and 9, the

rack 26 is in its lower or transport position. Upon alined holesindicatedv at 34 .in Fig. 3. A proper.

4 choice of these holes 34 depends upon the location of the center ofgravity of the racks 26 and the attached automobile bodies, it beingdesirable to have the center of gravity as near the axis of rotation ofthe rack 26 as possible. It will be understood, of course, that there isa plate 29 at each side of the rack 26 and that consequent- 1y there aretwo pins 33 which must be removed and replaced when the racks areshifted as above suggested. A retainer pin 35 is used as a convenientmeans for preventing the escape of the pin 33.

The perspective view of Fig. 9 gives the clearest idea of the structureof the rack 26 and reference should be made particularly to that figure.

a where the On the longitudinal members of the rack 26 are severalU-shaped irons 36 each of which has two pads 31 one for each face of therack 26. On

' the inner face of each side member is one stirru member 38 with twopads 39 one for each face of the rack. The pads 39 are each providedwith positioning pins 4|.

When the rack is in its horizontal position these pins position the bodyas it is lowered onto the rack after which the body is attached to therack by bolts inserted through holes in the body and threaded into nuts42 associated with each of the pads 31. While these nuts might beapplied by hand, it is desirable to provide means such as that shown inFigs. 10 and 11 to maintain One entire face of the rectangular frame ofa rack 26 is covered with heavy netting, a part of which is indicated at45 in Fig. 1. This netting supports the workmen during certain of theloading operations. Each frame has at one end (the upper end as viewedin Figs. 1, 2 and 9) certain extensions in the form of arms 46 withcross members 41. for connection to the extreme rear portion of thebody.

An eye 49 is mounted on the upper cross member of the frame of the rack26 and serves as means for attaching the hoisting gear when the rack 26is shifted between its lower transport position and its upper hingedposition. The lower cross member of the frame of the rack 26 has twoprojecting pins 5|. These are received in sockets 52 in the deck of thecar. These sockets 52 are visible in Fig. 1 and more clearly illustratedin Fig. 12. They are simply holes punched in the webs of short channelsections 53. These are mounted with their flanges downward, the flangesbeing welded to the plate 16. Their function is to position the rackpositively in its lowered or transport position.

After the rack 26 has been elevated from its transport position andfastened to the plate 29, by

inserting the pins 33 through the selected holes 34, the rack is readyto be swung to horizontal of the braces 18 are swung up as indicated inFig.

5 and fastened to brackets such as those generally indicated by thenumeral 54 (see also Fig. 9)

These are provided with pads 46 enemas;

The bracket' 54. is shown detail in ;Fi gs ..3"and; 4';

An examination of Fig. 1 will meanest that a diagonal brace is needed ateach side of each rack 26. As." indicated in Fig. 5 the braces on theleft side of the car are used in one horizontal position. The braces onthe right side of the car will be used to maintain the rack 26 in theother horizontal position. Further the stanchions I! at the end of thecar need have only two braces I8, i. e. one on each side, whereas theintermediate stanchions each are provided with four such braces.

O r on ;W'hen a car comesin for loading, all of the racks 26 will be intheir lowered verticalpositions. The first operation is to remove thepins 33, lift each rack, and insert the pins 33 in the selected holes34. The racks are then swung to a chosen horizontal position and securedin such position by attaching a diagonal brace l8 to each side of rack26.

It is considered better practice to bring all the racks to horizontalposition before loading starts because the racks oifer platforms onwhich the workmen may move about and because it removes the risk ofdamage to bodies such as might be occasioned by striking the upwardlyprojecting ends of unloaded racks.

The next operation is to place a body on each horizontally positionedrack and bolt it in place. In this operation the workmen can enter thebodies and insert the bolts. The next operation is to invert the racksand attach another body to each rack. The next operation is to swing theracks to their vertical positions. Since the racks are in an elevatedposition at this time, there is ample clearance for the swinging motionand the attached bodies clear the car deck.

After loading the racks are individually returned to the verticalposition. Pins 33 are withdrawn and the racks 26 are individuallylowered to the transport position. In transport position the studs 5|engage the sockets 52 whereby the racks and the attached bodies areretained against shifting in transit.

After the racks have been lowered, it is desirable to re-insert the pins33 because they will retain the racks 26 against vertical motion. Theeffect of this final adjustment is to relieve the member 23 of verticalload, a circumstance that makes it possible to design the stanchions andthe member 23 more lightly than would otherwise be necessary. A numberof details of the structure have been described with considerableparticularity notwithstanding the fact that they are subject to possiblevariation as will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Nolimitations to the particular details of construction is implied.

I claim:

1. The combination of a vehicle platform; means affording ahorizontal-axis bearing spaced above said platform; at least one rackjournalcd on said bearing and having on opposite faces of the rack seatsfor articles to be transported; means for releasably attaching saidarticles to said seats; means for fixedly positioning said rack on saidbearing in either of two horizontal posithe horizontalv a: tionsizinwhich nespeetively opposi face in asuhstantia ly vertical position. thrac b in ca able, when loaded withsa d articl s of till-Il ing onsaid'bearing. to any- .of said posit on 2. The combination defined cla m1 in Whifill means. are provided to engage and support the rack directlyby said platform. when the ra i said vertical position; so that the b ain then relieved of vertical load.

'3. :The. combination of a vehicle platfqrrn;

means affording a. horizontal-axis bearing spaced abevesaid platform; atleast one rack journaled on said bearing said rack having on oppositefaces seats for articles to be transported; means for releasablysecuring Said articles to said seats; said. rack when vertical beishifta e between upper and l we pos t n r l tiv t said bea ing; means tosecure Said rack selectively in said ppe qr lower pesit on said h r n beng relievedof vertical load, when said rack is in said lower position,said rack when in said upper position being capable of being swung toeither of two horizontal positions in which respectively opposite facesare presented upward; and means for securing said rack in either of saidhorizontal positions.

4. The combination of a vehicle platform: means affording ahorizontal-axis journal spaced above said platform; at least one pair ofspaced bearing plates journaled thereon; a rack carried by each pair ofbearing plates; said rack having on opposite faces thereof seats forarticles to be transported; means for releasably securing articles tosaid seats, said rack having a lower vertical transport position, andbeing shiftable on said plates to a raised vertical position; means tosecure said rack to said plates in either of said vertical positions;said rack being capable of swinging from said raised vertical positionto either of two substantially horizontal positions in whichrespectively opposite faces are presented upward; and means to retainsaid rack in either of said horizontal positions.

5. The combination of a transport vehicle having a deck; a plurality ofstanchions carried by said vehicle, projecting upward from said deck andspaced along the longitudinal center line of said vehicle; a horizontalrod extending from stanchion to stanchion; pairs of spaced bearingplates journaled on said rod between adjacent stanchions; a plurality ofracks, each rack being carried by one of said pairs of bearing plates,and having on opposite faces thereof pads for the attachment of articlesto be transported, said racks having a vertical transport position inwhich the lower ends of said racks rest on said deck; means effectivewhen said racks are in said transport position to interlock said racksand said deck to prevent horizontal shifting of said racks, said racksbeing slidable in the direction of their length relatively to said pairsof bearing plates between upper vertical positions and lower verticaltransport positions; means for fixing said racks to said bearing platesin said upper positions, said racks being then capable of being swung toeither of two substantially horizontal positions in which respectivelyopposite faces are presented upward; means extending between saidstanchions and said racks, engageable to retain said racks in either ofsaid two substantially horizontal positions.

6. The combination defined in claim 5 in which the means for fixing theracks to the bearing plates are also effective, in the lower ortransport are presented upward; and means forfix g said rack,

positions bf the racks, to prevent vertical shiftin: o f the racks.

'7; In the combination defined in claim 5 a foraminous web attached toone face of each of said racks adapted to serve as a platform when saidracks are in their horizontal positions.-

8. The combination of a vehicle platform; means afiording ahorizontal-axis journal spaced above said platform; at least one pair ofspaced bearing plates journaled thereon; a rack carried by each pair ofbearing plates; said rack having on opposite faces thereof seats forarticles to be transported; means for releasably securing articles tosaid seats, said rack having a lower vertical transport position, andbeing shittable in the direction of its length relatively to said platesto a plurality of raised vertical positions; means to secure said rackin said transport posiraised vertical position to either of two substanatially horizontal positions in which respectively opposite faces arepresented upward; and means to retain said rack in either of saidhorizontal positions.

9. The combination defined in claim 8 in which said rack rests directlyon said platform when in said transport position whereby said bearing isrelieved of vertical load; and means to engage said rack directly bysaid platform when the rack is in said transport position wherebyhorizontal movement of the rack is inhibited.

FRANK FAHLAND;

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,123,362 Isaacson July 12, 19382,129,950 Loney Sept. 13, 1938 2,151,431 Lord Mar. 31, 1939

